The Surrender of Napoleon

Naval orders and dinner conversations share the pages of Frederick Lewis Maitland's account of Napoleon's surrender in 1815. As captain of H.M.S. Bellerophon, Maitland describes the negotiations that brought Napoleon aboard and the passage from the French coast to England. The former emperor asks about English laws and customs, takes an interest in shipboard signalling, and watches the coastline as the vessel approaches Torbay. These details show a public event through the daily encounters of the officer responsible for his guest.

Maitland explains that his account grew from notes and memoranda, partly to answer reports about Napoleon's behaviour and his own conduct. That purpose helps readers understand the perspective behind his recollections. This edition adds a memoir of the captain, letters and other accounts connected with the ship. For readers of European history, it offers both an eyewitness record and a close view of how official instructions shaped life aboard.